Cricket

Welsh Fire emerged victorious over Manchester Originals in a thrilling encounter at Emirates Old Trafford, securing a seven-wicket triumph in the Hundred. Sophia Dunkley's masterful 69 from 47 deliveries proved pivotal in guiding her side to victory, despite a mid-innings wobble.Manchester Originals posted a modest total of 113 for 7, with captain Sophie Ecclestone's late cameo of 27 from 15 balls providing a glimmer of hope. However, Welsh Fire's bowling attack, led by Jess Jonassen's three wickets, kept the Originals in check.Dunkley's innings was a masterclass in adaptability. She initially struggled to time the ball, but as she settled into her rhythm, she began to find the boundaries with ease. Her calculated risks against Ecclestone in the final overs proved decisive, as she guided Welsh Fire to victory with four balls to spare.Ecclestone's innings had earlier given the Originals a fighting chance. Her lusty blows for six showcased her power-hitting prowess. However, the Originals' batting lineup failed to capitalize on the solid start provided by Laura Woolvardt and Beth Mooney, who had raced to a 58-run partnership.Dunkley's half-century continued a trend of England Women's players excelling in the Hundred. Her performance echoed the sentiments of head coach Jon Lewis, who had challenged his players to dominate the competition."It got a bit closer than we thought," admitted Dunkley after the match. "I didn't feel in the innings for the first half. But once you got the pace of the wicket, it was easier. At the end, I had to take some calculated risks, and luckily we got over the line."Welsh Fire's victory was a testament to their resilience and determination. They overcame a mid-innings slump and executed their game plan with precision. As they look ahead to the rest of the Hundred, they will be confident in their ability to challenge for the title.

England's dominance over New Zealand continued in the fourth T20I at The Kia Oval, as they secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory. Sarah Glenn's exceptional bowling performance, claiming four wickets for just 19 runs, proved decisive in restricting the White Ferns to a modest total of 103 for 8.New Zealand's innings got off to a promising start, with Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer putting on 33 runs in the powerplay. However, Glenn's introduction into the attack proved to be a game-changer. She dismissed Plimmer and Amelia Kerr in quick succession, sparking a collapse that saw the White Ferns lose four wickets for just 13 runs.Sophie Ecclestone also played a crucial role, claiming two wickets, including that of Bates, who had been New Zealand's top scorer in the series. Maddy Green and Jess Kerr fell to Glenn's spin, completing her four-wicket haul. Izzy Gaze's 25 was the highest score for the White Ferns, but they were eventually bowled out for 103.In response, England's openers, Sophia Dunkley and Danni Wyatt, made light work of the chase. They put on a 54-run partnership, with Dunkley scoring 26 off 15 balls and Wyatt contributing 26 off 24. Dunkley's dismissal brought Alice Capsey to the crease, but she fell cheaply for 9. Wyatt followed soon after, holing out to Fran Jonas.However, England were cruising by this point, needing just 31 runs off 77 balls. Nat Sciver-Brunt sealed the victory with back-to-back fours off Amelia Kerr, giving England a 4-0 lead in the T20I series.England's depth was once again on display, with Dunkley and Wyatt forming a successful opening partnership. The return of Heather Knight also strengthened the batting lineup, while Glenn and Ecclestone continued to impress with their spin bowling.

In a thrilling semi-final of the Charlotte Edwards Cup, South East Stars emerged victorious over defending champions Southern Vipers by a narrow margin of five runs.The Stars' innings was anchored by Sophia Dunkley (49 off 34) and Georgia Redmayne (39 off 38), who shared a crucial 74-run partnership for the second wicket. Paige Scholfield's unbeaten 34 off 22 balls propelled the Stars to a competitive total of 162 for 5.In response, the Vipers got off to a strong start thanks to Danni Wyatt's 34 off 17. However, the Stars' bowlers, led by Tilly Corteen-Coleman (2 for 23) and Dani Gregory (2 for 25), kept the Vipers in check.As the match entered its final stages, the Vipers needed 21 runs from the last three overs. But Corteen-Coleman and Ryana MacDonald-Gay bowled two exceptional overs, conceding only 10 runs. The key moment came when Charlie Dean (43 off 29) was run out off Tash Farrant's second ball of the final over.Despite their valiant effort, the Vipers fell six runs short of their target, handing the Stars a hard-fought victory.

England's T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand has been announced, with Sophia Dunkley making a swift return after being recalled to the ODI squad last week. The 16-strong squad remains largely unchanged from the one that defeated Pakistan 3-0 last month, with Freya Kemp set to feature as an allrounder as she continues her recovery from a back injury.Dunkley's recall is a testament to her impressive form at regional level, where she is the leading run-scorer in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. She has also performed well in the Charlotte Edwards Cup T20 competition, scoring two half-centuries.Kemp, who made her international debut in 2022, has been gradually returning to action after suffering a back stress fracture during England's tour of the Caribbean. She has played as a batter only in recent months, but England head coach Jon Lewis hopes to see her bowl during the New Zealand series.The absence of Mahika Gaur from the squad is due to a side strain. Gaur, who made her ODI debut for England last year, will have finished her A-Levels by the time the T20Is start, but Lewis has indicated that she will be involved in squad activities as she continues her development.Lewis emphasized the importance of the New Zealand series as preparation for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh later this year. He said, "This five-match series against a strong New Zealand side is really important for us and also vital preparation as we build towards the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh."

Sophia Dunkley has earned a recall to England's ODI squad for the upcoming home series against New Zealand, marking a significant turnaround after losing her place in the top order during the winter tour of New Zealand.Dunkley's return to the 50-over setup is a testament to her impressive performances for South East Stars in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, where she is the competition's leading run-scorer with 293 runs at an average of 97.66 and a strike rate of 83.00. She has also scored two half-centuries in the Charlotte Edwards Cup T20 competition.England Women's head coach Jon Lewis praised Dunkley's recent form, saying, "Her performance across the domestic game has been outstanding and she earned the right to be back in this squad through performance."Dunkley's recall comes after a challenging period where she failed to reach double figures in three T20I and one ODI innings in New Zealand. However, Lewis had challenged her to rediscover her best cricket and she has responded with a string of strong performances.Despite facing competition from the likes of Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Danni Wyatt, and Alice Capsey, Dunkley will be eager to regain a regular berth in the upper order. England's Nat Sciver-Brunt was the only stand-out performer in the ODIs against Pakistan, which England won 2-0.England's seam attack will be led by Kate Cross and Lauren Bell, with exciting quick Lauren Filer also included. The spin department will feature Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, and Charlie Dean.During their tour of New Zealand earlier this year, England won the T20I series 4-1 and the ODIs 2-1. England are yet to name their T20I squad for a five-match series with New Zealand immediately after the ODIs.

Sophia Dunkley's return to form for South East Stars in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy has not yet earned her a recall to the England Women's team, according to assistant coach Gareth Breese. Dunkley, who has scored 293 runs in five innings, including a century, was dropped from the England set-up after a poor run of form on the recent tours of India and New Zealand.Breese explained that England's current top-order, including Dunkley's replacement Maia Bouchier, will be given time to develop, while Dunkley will be allowed to regain her form away from the international spotlight. He emphasized that England backs its players even after setbacks and that Dunkley remains an integral part of the wider set-up.Dunkley's involvement in a red-ball training session at Loughborough on Tuesday demonstrates the management's commitment to supporting players on the fringes. Breese stated that the team is working closely with Dunkley and that she is "still in and around the fold."Despite the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan and the New Zealand tour in June and July, Breese insisted that England is not operating a closed shop for selection. He believes that competition for places is essential for driving improvement and that players can still break into the team from outside the contracted group.The first T20I against Pakistan highlighted the strength of England's spin attack, with Sarah Glenn, Sophie Ecclestone, and Charlie Dean all contributing wickets. Breese praised the bowlers' hard work and recognition in the ICC's T20I rankings but emphasized that he is constantly pushing them to improve.He described himself as a "grumpy dad" when it comes to demanding higher standards and believes that all three spinners have the potential to get even better. He highlighted Ecclestone's growth as a death bowler, Dean's wicket-taking ability, and Glenn's consistent performances.

In a thrilling encounter at Beckenham, Northern Diamonds emerged victorious over South East Stars by a narrow margin of three runs in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. Despite a valiant century from Sophia Dunkley, the Stars fell agonizingly short of what would have been a record-breaking run chase.The Diamonds, batting first, posted a formidable total of 311 for 9. Hollie Armitage (66), Bess Heath (63), and Sterre Kalis (52) all contributed significant half-centuries. However, a devastating spell from Phoebe Franklin, who claimed three wickets for three runs in six balls, restricted the Diamonds' progress.In response, the Stars got off to a shaky start, losing Tash Farrant early. Dunkley, who had been omitted from England's squad to face Pakistan, showcased her class with a magnificent 130 from 136 deliveries. She formed a crucial partnership with Bryony Smith (52), but the Stars' hopes were dashed in the final over.With just four balls remaining, Dunkley was inexplicably run out by Erin Burns after failing to ground her bat. Bethan Miles was unable to hit a boundary off the last delivery, leaving the Stars three runs short of their target.The Diamonds' victory was a testament to their resilience and depth. Armitage, Heath, and Kalis provided a solid foundation with their half-centuries, while Jess Woolston's unbeaten 23 helped push the total past 300.For the Stars, Dunkley's century was a standout performance, but it was ultimately not enough to secure victory. Phoebe Franklin's three-wicket haul and Aylish Cranstone's 41 were also notable contributions.The match was a thrilling spectacle that showcased the high quality of women's cricket in England. The Diamonds' victory keeps them in contention for the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy title, while the Stars will be determined to bounce back in their remaining matches.

South East Stars emerged victorious in a thrilling top-of-the-table clash against Sunrisers in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, securing a commanding five-wicket victory at Northampton.Despite being omitted from the England squad for the upcoming Pakistan series, Sophia Dunkley responded with a scintillating 67 off 89 deliveries, anchoring the Stars' chase of 223. Brilliantly supported by Alice Davidson-Richards' destructive 50, the pair forged a formidable 105-run partnership for the second wicket.Skipper Bryony Smith laid the foundation with a 53-run opening stand alongside Tash Farrant, setting the tone for the Stars' pursuit. Dunkley, known for her aggressive style, showcased her versatility with exquisite timing and placement, keeping the scoreboard ticking.Sunrisers, who had won the toss and elected to bat, failed to capitalize on their advantage. Alexa Stonehouse, Davidson-Richards, and Kalea Moore each claimed two wickets, restricting Sunrisers to 222 for nine. Flo Miller top-scored with 30, but several batters made promising starts before succumbing to soft dismissals.In the Stars' innings, Smith played an aggressive hand, driving boundaries with ease. Farrant contributed 20 as an opener before being dismissed by Jodi Grewcock. Smith's departure brought Dunkley to the crease, who looked in fine touch from the outset.Davidson-Richards joined Dunkley in a destructive partnership, smashing boundaries and bringing up Stars' 100. However, she fell for 50, edging behind to Amara Carr. Phoebe Franklin stepped up to the plate, hitting boundaries and remaining calm under pressure.Despite Dunkley's dismissal with Stars on 205 for four, Franklin remained composed and guided her team to victory with 13 balls to spare.

Sophia Dunkley's omission from England's T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming series against Pakistan has raised questions about her future with the national team. The 24-year-old batter has struggled for form in recent months, prompting head coach Jon Lewis to urge her to rediscover her rhythm and find her best cricket.Dunkley has not reached double figures in three of her last nine T20I innings and has not passed 32 since scoring a half-century against Australia last July. She has also played just one ODI since the Women's Ashes, scoring 1 against New Zealand in Hamilton last month.Lewis believes that Dunkley has the talent to be one of England's best cricketers, but she needs to find a way to cope with the pressure and expectations that come with playing at the international level."I still have a really strong belief that Sophia's got a big future playing for England," Lewis said. "I think her talent is as incredible. She just needs a little bit of space to get back to her best cricket and work out how to cope with the situation she's being put in."Dunkley's absence from the squad has opened the door for Maia Bouchier, who has impressed with her performances at the top of the order in recent matches. Bouchier scored 91 from 56 balls in the fourth T20I against New Zealand, and Lewis believes that she has the potential to be a "crackerjack cricketer.""Maia has always been incredibly talented," Lewis said. "The bit that I suppose Maia has struggled with in the past is putting regular big scores together. She's starting to understand how to build bigger innings. The work that we've done with her in particular is around controlling emotion and controlling herself in the game and thinking tactically about how she's going to play."England will head to Abu Dhabi to prepare for the T20 World Cup, which will be held in Bangladesh in February and March. Lewis believes that the team has made progress in their ability to play spin bowling, but they still have work to do."We are working very hard, hard at it," Lewis said. "We know it's going to be a big part of that competition and we're talking about it and we're working on it and we're trying to improve our game against spin. I thought in our series against India, and in the T20 series against India in particular, I thought we showed some real signs of improvement there."